Norwich was demoted from the Premier League in 2005 and
dropped to the third tier in 2009. Following a 7-1 home defeat
to Colchester at the start of the 2009-10 season, the Canaries
hired their opponent’s coach, former Celtic and Scotland captain
Paul Lambert, who oversaw their return to the elite division.

“It’s absolutely incredible what has happened here,”
Lambert told Norwich’s website. “Just to stay in the
Championship would have been a great achievement but to actually
go up beggars belief. It’s a miracle.”

Norwich is the first club since Manchester City in 2000 to
secure back-to-back promotions into the top division. Joining
the Premier League is worth about 90 million pounds ($149
million) in television rights and other revenue, accountant
Deloitte LLP estimates.

Grant Holt has scored more than 20 goals this season and
many of Norwich’s vital strikes have come in the closing moments
of games. They include Jackson’s stoppage-time winner over Derby
County on April 25.

QPR won 2-0 at Watford three days ago to seal top place and
a return to the Premier League after 15 years, though it still
faces disciplinary action that could derail its promotion.

QPR could face a points deduction if it’s found guilty of
breaching rules in the signing of Argentine midfielder Alejandro
Faurlin in 2009. A decision is due by May 6, the day before the
last league game at home against Leeds. QPR denies wrongdoing.